10 Tips to Make Your Clothes Last Longer
“I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.”
Have you ever felt like you just found the perfect outfit, only for it to wear out after a few washes? Don't worry; you're not alone. We all have those favorite pieces of clothing that we just can't seem to part with. Whether it's a cozy sweater or a stylish dress, we want them to last as long as possible. However, with constant wear and washing, clothes can quickly lose their luster and start to show signs of wear and tear. That's why it's important to take good care of your clothes to make them last longer.
If you’re looking for a way to put off having to say goodbye to your go-to item,
Here are some tips to help you keep your clothes in top condition:
Read the care label (I mean it):
You might think it's a hassle, but reading the care label can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Please follow the instructions carefully so you can keep your clothes in good condition.
Personal Tip: To make sure I don’t ruin my clothes by not paying enough attention when doing laundry, I have a separate hamper with clothing that needs “special care.” That way, I won’t ruin my cashmere sweaters again by washing them together with my other laundry. (Trust me, I learned the hard way when my favorite sweater came out in my cat’s size)
2. Sort your laundry like you sort your friends:
Just as you wouldn't drag your introverted friend into a noisy bar, you shouldn't wash your delicate fabrics with heavy-duty clothes. Sort them by color and fabric type to avoid any mishaps.
Personal Tip: There are many laundry baskets on the market that already have built-in sorters (Check out Ikea & Amazon). By purchasing these, you’ll save time when laundry day comes around.
3. Wash your clothes in cold water
Cold water is not only good for your health, but it’s also good for your clothes. Cold water is gentle on fabrics and can help prevent shrinking, stretching, and color fading. Plus, it can also help you save money on energy bills! If you don’t have any heavy stains in your clothes, I’d recommend washing them at least at the lowest temperature possible.
4. Choose a gentle detergent:
Harsh detergents can damage fabrics and cause colors to fade. Use a gentle detergent to keep your clothes looking good for longer.
Personal Tip: Some fabrics are more fragile than others. Especially fabrics such as silk can benefit from special detergents. I hand wash all of my silk items (pillowcases, pajamas and blouses) and use a detergent specifically made for Silk.
5, Avoid overwashing:
Washing your clothes too often can cause them to wear out quickly. Only wash your clothes when necessary to avoid wear and tear. Also, not all fabrics need to be washed all the time. Cashmere is a good example of a fabric that will stretch out if you wash it too often (even hand wash). Try airing your favorite cashmere items rather than washing them to make your go-to last longer.
6. Be careful with fabric softener:
Fabric softener can be great for making your clothes feel soft and cozy but use it sparingly. Too much fabric softener can damage the fabric and make it lose its shape.
7. Air-dry your clothes:
Tumble drying can be tough on your clothes, making them shrink or lose their shape. Air-dry your clothes instead to keep them looking their best. Air-drying your clothes is also better for the environment and your budget.
Personal Tip: Circling back to Cashmere (yes, again) - Air-drying cashmere on a regular drying rack can cause your favorite piece to stretch out. Leave your cashmere to air-dry flat on a mesh knitwear drying rack (available at many places such as Ikea or Amazon), and avoid exposing it to a direct heat source such as radiators or sunlight.
8. Store your clothes properly:
Hang your clothes on hangers or fold them neatly to avoid wrinkles and damage. It's a small step that can make a big difference in keeping your clothes in good condition. Don’t forget to use a steamer or an iron to make your clothes look nicer.
9. Mend and repair your clothes:
Instead of throwing out clothes with small tears or missing buttons, mend and repair them to extend their lifespan. It's an eco-friendly option that also saves you money.
10. Invest in quality clothes:
Invest in quality clothes that will last longer. They might cost more, but they'll save you money in the long run. Plus, you'll be able to keep your favorite pieces around for a long time.
Personal Tip: Try to invest in basics that you will wear year after year. A good pair of jeans or a quality winter coat can stay with you for future seasons. To see if a bigger purchase is worth it, calculate the number of times you think you’ll wear an item and divide it by the price. This way, you’ll determine how much the item will cost per wear. For example - quality winter coats can set you back quite a bit. However, if you buy a timeless coat that you can wear for years, you’ll eventually save money compared to buying $100 yearly.
There you have it - 10 ways to make your clothes last longer. Remember, when you take the time to show your clothes some love, you'll find that they'll love you back by staying in top condition for years to come.
